Source: Human Rights Commission
Aotearoa’s educators have taken a big step towards eliminating racism in our school system with the launch of their teacher-focused ‘Unteach Racism’ campaign.
Race Relations Commissioner Meng Foon said he was a strong supporter and advocate for children and youth to grow in an environment free from racism, especially while they are at school.
“I see teachers as powerful agents who can help dismantle such behaviour.”
The Human Rights Commission proudly partnered with the Teaching Council in the development of the campaign which Mr Foon said would “support teachers to lean into kōrero around racism, creating ways for them to acknowledge and address it.”
The online resources now available through the campaign aimed to give teachers the advice they need to make a difference.
“I am also pleased to see the possibilities that ‘Unteach Racism’ may open in terms of growth in the areas of responsibilities to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, social justice, diversity, the affirmation of Māori as tangata whenua and the principles of human rights.”
He said he was excited about initiatives like ‘Unteach Racism’ as an all of society approach was needed to tackle and dismantle racism.
“I commend the Teaching Council and their members for the will to initiate these types of initiatives and hope they will be well supported and replicated by other sectors.”
